Research Associate - Upstream

Location: City of Edinburgh

Wood Mackenzie is the global leader in analytics, insights and proprietary data across the entire energy and natural resources landscape.

For over 50 years our work has guided the decisions of the world’s most influential energy producers, utilities companies, financial institutions and governments.

Now, with the world’s energy system more complex and interconnected than ever before, sector-specific views are no longer enough. That’s why we’ve redefined what’s possible with Intelligence Connected.

By fusing our unparalleled proprietary data with the sharpest analytical minds, all supercharged by Synoptic AI, we deliver a clear, interconnected view of the entire value chain. Our trusted team of 2,700 experts across 30 countries breaks siloes and connects industries, markets and regions across the globe.

This empowers our customers to identify risk sooner, spot opportunities faster and recalibrate strategy with confidence – whether planning days, weeks, months or decades ahead.

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Role purpose

Wood Mackenzie is seeking a highly motivated and analytical Research Associate to join our Upstream Global Analyst Team in Edinburgh.

This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to our industry-leading research and insights into the global upstream oil and gas sector, helping clients navigate the evolving energy landscape. Our Upstream teams are located around the world and deliver research and consulting projects based on our assessment and valuation of thousands of individual assets. Together, we work with a range of clients, including national and major oil companies, operators, investment banks, and institutional investors.

About the role

As part of a world-class team of oil and gas experts, you will monitor and assess key events and commercial developments in oil and gas. You will be comfortable and efficient at manipulating and analysing industry data from various sources. You will use this to produce high-quality research in the form of thought-provoking articles, presentations, and reports. You will develop a unique perspective and understanding of the oil and gas industry.

You will become adept at valuing oil and gas assets, and understand the key issues that inform that valuation. You will also begin to form opinions on corporate strategies, business environment, exploration, M&A deals, petroleum economics, government energy policy, and regional geopolitics.

You will build relationships and a network of contacts at key companies and bodies through your research and response to client queries. Your contribution to our industry-leading written reports, economic models, and presentations will be valued by the team and our clients.

You will have a keen eye for quality and take pride in your work. You will support the team in delivering its weekly and quarterly data sets to our clients and will take an active role in ensuring the data set's quality and timeliness.

Key Responsibilities Deliver high-quality research and analysis on upstream assets, companies, and market trends.

Maintain and enhance asset-level valuations and emissions profiles using proprietary models.

Interpret datasets to identify strategic opportunities and risks.

Share your opinion on key themes impacting the upstream industry.

Engage with industry stakeholders to validate assumptions and gather market intelligence.

Collaborate with global teams to ensure consistency and accuracy in research outputs.

Qualifications Bachelor's degree, preferably in Engineering, Geosciences, Economics, or Finance, but not essential.

Entry-level position, but relevant experience in upstream oil and gas, consulting, energy finance, or oilfield services is advantageous.

Strong analytical capabilities with proficiency in data analysis tools (Excel) and proven ability to collect, interpret, and articulate insights.

Excellent communication skills – fluent in…